4 ply Twill Fleece Fabric
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5514220020 | 49.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5111909000 | 60.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5208130000 | 42.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5407820040 | 49.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5407922050 | 49.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π 4 Ply Twill Fleece Fabric β HS Code & Tariff Guide 2026 | Expert Customs Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is β4 Ply Twill Fleece Fabricβ?
4 Ply Twill Fleece Fabric is a heavyweight, non-velvet, woven textile with a twill weave structure (diagonal rib pattern), composed of 3 or 4-ply synthetic fibers, typically polyester staple fibers. Despite the term "fleece," this fabric is not a pile fabric (i.e., not soft, brushed, or plush like traditional fleece). Instead, it is a dense, durable, industrial-grade twill fabric used in outdoor gear, workwear, industrial covers, and high-performance apparel.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- β Not a "fleece" in the traditional sense (e.g., soft, brushed, looped pile).
- β Is a non-velvet, 4-ply, 200g+ twill fabric made from synthetic short fibers (polyester).
- β Must be classified under 5514.22.00.20, not under βfleeceβ or βknittedβ categories.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Breakdown (2026 Updated Tariff Schedule)
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Classification Criteria | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
5514.22.00.20 |
4 Ply Twill Fabric (No Velvet, 200g+) β Polyester staple fiber, 3 or 4-ply, non-velvet, weight > 170 g/mΒ² | β
Synthetic fiber (polyester) β Twill weave β 4-ply construction β Weight β₯ 200 g/mΒ² β No velvet or pile finish |
49.9% |
π Why This HS Code?
- 5514.22.00.20 is specifically designed for synthetic fiber, non-velvet, twill fabrics with high weight and ply count.
- The "4 ply" and "200g+" weight are mandatory criteria for this code.
- If the fabric were velvet, knitted, or lighter than 170 g/mΒ², it would fall under different codes (e.g., 5801, 5407, 5208).
- No "fleece" classification applies β despite the name, it is not a pile fabric.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Breakdown β Detailed Tax Clauses Explained
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and onward)
π― HS Code: 5514.22.00.20 β 4 Ply Twill Fabric (No Velvet, 200g+)
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 14.9% | HTSUS 5514.22.00.20 | Standard rate for this synthetic twill fabric. |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Duty | +25.0% | USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 | Imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 due to Chinaβs unfair trade practices. Applies to all goods from China in this category. |
| IEEPA Additional Duty (Executive Order 13295) | +10.0% | IEEPA: 9903.01.24 | Imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for national security and foreign policy concerns. Applies to all goods from China, Hong Kong, and Macau. |
| Total Effective Tariff | 49.9% | Sum of all three | Extremely high β one of the most punitive rates in the textile sector. |
π Legal Pathway:
IEEPA:9903.01.24βUSITC:9903.88.01βHTSUS:5514.22.00.20β οΈ No de minimis exemption applies β Even $100 shipments are fully taxed.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Penalties)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Have for Smooth Clearance)
| Document | Required? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "4 Ply Twill Fabric, Non-Velvet, 200g/mΒ², Polyester Staple Fiber, Twill Weave" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Show total weight, number of rolls, and dimensions |
| β Product Specifications Sheet | βοΈ | Include: fiber type, ply count, weight (g/mΒ²), weave pattern, width, and test reports |
| β Test Report (e.g., ASTM, ISO) | βοΈ | Prove weight β₯ 200g/mΒ² and non-velvet structure |
| β Manufacturerβs Certificate | βοΈ | Confirm fiber composition (polyester staple) |
| β Origin Declaration (Form 2000) | βοΈ | Required for China-origin goods |
| β Photographs (with scale) | βοΈ | Show weave pattern, surface texture, and thickness |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§ (η³ζ₯ε£θ―)
π₯ βNon-velvet, 4-ply, 200g+, polyester = 5514.22.00.20 β No exceptions!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-ply, 210g, non-velvet, polyester twill | 5514.22.00.20 |
5407.82.00.40 (cotton blend) |
Wrong classification β 49.9% vs 49.9% (same rate, but still incorrect) |
| 4-ply, 180g, non-velvet, polyester | 5514.22.00.20 |
5208.13.00.00 (lighter twill) |
Underweight β 42.9% rate, but risk of audit |
| 4-ply, 200g, but velvet finish | 5801.21.00.00 (velvet) |
5514.22.00.20 |
Major error β 50%+ penalty |
| 4-ply, 200g, but cotton blend | 5407.82.00.40 |
5514.22.00.20 |
Wrong fiber β 49.9% vs 49.9%, but still misclassified |
π Golden Rule:
If itβs not velvet, 4-ply, β₯200g/mΒ², and made of polyester staple fiber β itβs 5514.22.00.20.
β 3. Special Cases & Risk Mitigation
| Scenario | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Fabric has a slight nap but no pile | Still 5514.22.00.20 β as long as no velvet or looped pile |
| Mixed fiber (e.g., 70% polyester, 30% cotton) | Reclassify to 5407.82.00.40 β synthetic + cotton blend twill |
| Fabric is knitted (not woven) | Not eligible for 5514.22.00.20 β must use 5407.92.20.50 or 5801.21.00.00 |
| Custom order with unique weave | Apply for Advance Ruling (Pre-Ruling) to lock in HS Code |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Tariff Snapshot)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Base Tariff | Additional Taxes | Total Effective Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 5514.22.00.20 |
14.9% | +25% (301) +10% (IEEPA) | 49.9% | Highest in world |
| π¨π³ China | 5514.22.00.20 |
5% | None | 5% | Low, but no export duty |
| πͺπΊ EU | 5514.22.00.20 |
0% | None | 0% | Free trade with China (pre-2025) |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 5514.22.00.20 |
5% | None | 5% | No additional duties |
| π―π΅ Japan | 5514.22.00.20 |
0% | None | 0% | No extra tariffs |
π Insight:
- USA is the only market with 49.9% rate.
- If youβre shipping to the US, consider sourcing from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand to avoid 301/IEEPA tariffs.
π VI. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Real-World Pitfalls)
β Mistake 1: Calling it βfleeceβ in the invoice
π Result: Customs may suspect pile fabric β risk of reclassification to 5801.21.00.00 (velvet) β higher scrutiny, delays, penalties
β Mistake 2: Not proving weight β₯ 200g/mΒ²
π Result: Could be misclassified as 5208.13.00.00 (lighter twill) β 42.9% vs 49.9% β underpayment risk
β Mistake 3: Using βtwill fabricβ without specifying ply, weight, or fiber
π Result: Customs may apply default HS Code β incorrect rate, audit, penalties
β Mistake 4: Shipping in small lots (e.g., 10 kg)
π Result: No de minimis exemption β 100% tax on full value β cost shock
π― VII. Final Verdict: How to Win the Tariff War
β Pro Tip:
"4 Ply Twill Fabric" is NOT fleece. Itβs a high-weight, non-velvet, polyester twill.
β HS Code:5514.22.00.20
β Total Tax: 49.9% (14.9% + 25% + 10%)
β No exceptions, no de minimis, no mercy.
π£ Call to Action: Secure Your Supply Chain Now!
π Contact a US Customs Broker with 301/IEEPA Experience
π Apply for an Advance Ruling (Pre-Ruling) to lock in HS Code
πΌ Consider shifting production to Vietnam/Mexico/Thailand to avoid 301/IEEPA tariffs
π Use a tariff calculator with real-time updates (e.g., ImportKey, Boundless)
β¨ Your Product. Your Profit. Your Precision.
π― One wrong HS Code = 49.9% tax on every roll.
β
Get it right the first time.
π Remember:
πΉ "4-ply, 200g+, non-velvet, polyester = 5514.22.00.20"
πΉ "No fleece. No velvet. No excuses."
πΉ "Tax is 49.9% β not 40%, not 50%. Itβs 49.9%."
π£ Act Now!
π Donβt wait for the customs bill to arrive.
β Pre-approve your HS Code. Pre-pay your tax. Pre-ship with confidence.
πΌ Your global trade success starts with a single, correct classification.
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.